Chicago at Pittsburgh

Over the past eight days we have faded the Pirates six times. Our record? 6-0. This afternoon is I am even more excited to bet against them. After their 13-game skid, the Pirates are now officially the worst team in baseball. Can you believe it KC fans? The World Champs go for the sweep with Jose Contreras on the mound. This guy has not lost in 17 tries. That's right. He's 8-0 this season in 13 games and with a win today he'd tie Johan Santana for the longest streak in the majors. He has pitched very well (3.15 ERA) but not lights-out. The point being he gets lots of run support, even if he's having an off night. Despite giving up 12 earned runs in his last three starts, he's still 2-0. So, if by some miracle Pittsburgh (averaging 3.4 runs per game over their last seven) can manufacture a bunch of runs, it's not the end of the world. Chicago can score more. The White Sox are averaging 5.8 runs per game and an amazing 7.8 per game in interleague play. They'll be teeing off on Zach Duke who has posted an 8.22 ERA over his last three starts. A little gravy: throw in the fact that in games with home plate umpire Ed Rapuano, home teams are actually just 7-9 on the season and 40-48 over the past three seasons. ChiSox in this one.